San Diego · Izakaya · casual
Izakaya Masa
Izakaya / Hakata-style ramenMission Hills izakayaFukuoka ramenJapanese sake barneighborhood izakaya
Izakaya Masa is a Mission Hills institution where Fukuoka-born chef-owner Masayoshi Tsuruta has been serving authentic Hakata-style ramen and Japanese izakaya dishes since 2006.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Mission Hills
- Since
- 2006
- Chef
- Masayoshi Tsuruta
Plate № 60
About
Chef-owner Masayoshi Tsuruta brings the soulful flavors of his hometown Fukuoka, Japan to Mission Hills through Izakaya Masa, which has been a neighborhood fixture since 2006. Tsuruta's Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen is the headline draw — a rich, collagen-heavy pork bone broth cooked in the tradition of one of Japan's most revered ramen styles. The broader izakaya menu ranges from grilled skewers to Japanese small plates, sake, and shochu, creating the convivial warmth of a proper Japanese after-work bar. Over nearly 20 years, Izakaya Masa has built one of the most loyal followings of any Japanese restaurant in San Diego, supported by a community that values its chef's genuine Fukuoka roots and unwavering dedication to traditional Japanese flavors.
Neighborhood & visiting
Izakaya Masa sits in Mission Hills, one of San Diego's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Fukuoka-born chef-owner serving authentic Hakata-style ramen — one of Japan's iconic ramen traditions
- Nearly 20 years of Japanese izakaya hospitality in Mission Hills — a true neighborhood institution
- Full izakaya menu of small plates, grilled dishes, sake, and shochu alongside the ramen
- One of San Diego's most beloved Japanese restaurants, built on genuine Fukuoka culinary roots
Official website lists 982 Fort Stockton Dr; some third-party listings show 928. Using official website address.
More authentic izakaya in San Diego
See all →
Other authentic cuisines in San Diego
See all →
Authentic izakaya in other cities
See all →
Frequently asked
About Izakaya Masa
- Is Izakaya Masa an authentic izakaya / hakata-style ramen restaurant in San Diego?
- Yes — Izakaya Masa is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for izakaya / hakata-style ramen in San Diego: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Izakaya Masa located?
- Izakaya Masa is located at 982 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103, San Diego, USA in the Mission Hills neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Izakaya Masa?
- Izakaya Masa does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular izakaya restaurants in San Diego we recommend calling ahead.
- What is the price range at Izakaya Masa?
- Izakaya Masa sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for izakaya / hakata-style ramen of this format in San Diego.
Keep exploring